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Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

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Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

The first department store in Japan, which is still beloved as the face of Nihombashi 350 years later.

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Supervised by :  Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

Since its beginning in 1673 as a kimono store, Echigoya, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store has built its history for 350 years as the face of Nihombashi area. It was announced to become a department store in 1904 as the first in Japan.

Mitsukoshi’s symbolic figure, the lions, sit by the front entrance, and a huge angel statue looks down at the vaulted central hall. This impressive main building was renovated bigger in 1935. The Renaissance style with Art Deco ornamentals and plenty of marbles are seen in this historically valuable architecture, designated as a national important cultural property.

The main building and the new building are full of attractive shops of luxury brands, fashion, food, appliances, etc. The main building was renovated in 2018 with the architect, Kengo Kuma, who designed the spacious 1sr floor. Each floor has “personal shopping desks,” where you can get advice on fashion, gift, etc. from experts in different fields. Between shopping, take a break at the Nihonbashi Garden on the rooftop of the main building.

Highlights

  • The first department store in Japan, celebrating the 350th anniversary in 2023.
  • Massive merchandise and elegant hospitality put this department store to the top class among domestic department stores.
  • Each floor has “personal shopping desks,” where you can get advice on your shopping from experts on duty at all times.
  • The main building is the historical department store designated as a national important cultural property.
  • The lion statues in front of the main building are popular meeting spots.

Photos

  • Dignified exterior of the historical store

    Dignified exterior of the historical store

  • The angel statue stands in the vaulted central hall

    The angel statue stands in the vaulted central hall

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Can you provide services in foreign languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A

Yes (English and Chinese)

Q

Are tax refunds available?
A

Yes (only on the day of purchase).

Q

Is gift wrapping available?
A

Gift wrapping is available.

Q

Do you have an overseas-shipping service?
A

Yes (Orders accepted until 5pm. Areas to be shipped to are limited).

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Norton Liang
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    The golden Western deity sculpture above the front main entrance (Lion Entrance) of the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is a statue of **Mercury (Roman mythology)**, also known as **Hermes** in Greek mythology.
    Below is a detailed explanation of its meaning and the background of its designer:
    ### 1. What does this statue represent?
    * **Guardian deity of commerce and wealth:** In mythology, Mercury is the god who presides over **commerce, trade, travel, luck, and wealth**. As one of Japan’s premier temples of commerce, Mitsukoshi Department Store placed him above its main entrance primarily to pray for **“prosperous business” (commercial prosperity and thriving trade)**.
    * **Depiction of mythological features:** If you look closely at the statue, you will notice that he has Mercury’s three classic attributes:
    1. **Winged hat (Petasos):** He wears a round traveler’s hat with wings on his head.
    2. **Winged sandals (Talaria):** The sandals on his ankles have golden wings, representing great speed.
    3. **Caduceus:** In his left hand, he holds a winged staff entwined by two snakes, a symbol of commerce and peace.
    ### 2. Who designed it?
    * **Original artist:** **Giovanni da Bologna (also known as Giambologna)**, a master court sculptor of the late Italian Renaissance (Mannerist period).
    * **Origin of the statue:** This statue is an **official, finely crafted, full-scale replica** modeled after Bologna’s classic bronze Mercury statue created in **1598**, which is now housed in the Bargello Museum in Florence, Italy.
    * **Year installed:** In **1923 (Taisho 12)**, when construction and renovation of the Mitsukoshi Main Building was completed, the department store placed this iconic Western god of commerce above the front entrance. Together with the bronze lion statues on either side of the entrance, it became a classic landmark guarding Nihombashi Mitsukoshi.

  • Linda Liao
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    Nihombashi Mitsukoshi is one of Japan's oldest and most iconic department stores. Its history dates back to Echigoya, founded in 1673. Located in the heart of Nihombashi, its exterior has an elegant and dignified style. Last time, I came specifically to shop at the Bic Camera electronics store on the 6th and 7th floors.

Details

Name in Japanese
日本橋三越本店
Postal Code
103-8001
Address
1-4-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Telephone
03-3241-3311（Main number）
Closed
Irregular holidays
Hours
10:00am - 7:00pm（Food floor・1st floor -7:30pm）, Restaurant main building 11:00am - 7:00pm, New building 11:00am - 10:00pm
Directions
About a 1-minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line　and Hanzomon Line’s Mitsukoshimae Station
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa